maya rudolph

Maya Rudolph's been trying to tell people for months that her 'Up All Night' character Ava, who just so happens to be a flight talk show host, isn't a re-imagining of her famous 'SNL' Oprah impression. But Friday on 'Live!' (weekdays, syndicated on ABC), at the behest of guest-host Neil Patrick Harris, Rudolph and Kelly Ripa broke out their dueling Oprah impersonations for an 'Oprah-Off.'

Rudolph started off the competition by announcing a fake audience giveaway that would make Snooki proud. "Today, we're giving away ... pickles!!" she exclaimed, as the audience cheered wildly. Ripa followed up with, "You get a pickle, and you get a pickle and you get a pickle," and got some feedback from Rudolph on her impression.

On 'Up All Night,' Maya Rudolph plays a flighty talk show host named Ava who's drawn a bevy of comparisons to Oprah Winfrey. Rudolph, who was known for her Oprah impersonation in her 'SNL' days, told 'Access Hollywood Live' (weekdays, syndicated on NBC) that despite the similarities, Ava isn't Oprah.

Rudolph explained that while some may see Ava as an O-clone, it's not what she's trying to do with the character. "People always think I'm doing Oprah I guess, because I did Oprah on the show. You definitely have to have cajones to be a talk show host. I don't think I could personally pull it off being myself, I like being characters more. I'm infusing her with this regal-ness that I like to play."

'Up All Night' premiered to solid ratings and looks like it may be NBC's latest breakout comedy. The show stars Christina Applegate, who works for Rudolph's character, and Will Arnett as thirty-something first-time parents struggling with the new responsibility.

Lonely Island gave a hilarious live medley performance of their hit songs 'Jack Sparrow,' '3 Way (The Golden Rule),' and 'I Just Had Sex' at the 2011 Emmys, which featured a slew of musical guest appearances.

The Andy Samberg-led musical trio had those three tunes nominated for Best Original Song, although they were beaten out by Justin Timberlake's 'SNL' monologue in an award handed out at the Creative Arts Emmys last week. But they were the ones who stole the show at the main event.

Michael Bolton, who was at one point dressed in full pirate regalia, joined Maya Rudolph, John Stamos, Ed Helms and Akon in the star-studded medley.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Andy Samberg and his group Lonely Island, Maya Rudolph and Ed Helms will perform a musical medley during the 63rd annual ceremony.

Rudolph stars in NBC's new comedy 'Up All Night' -- her character sings! -- and Ed Helms' 'The Office' character is known for busting out into song at the drop of a hat. Lonely Island had three songs up for Emmys -- including '3-Way (The Golden Rule)' -- but lost out to Justin Timberlake's 'Saturday Night Live' monologue.

There's a sweetness that really surprised me throughout the premiere of 'Up All Night' (Wed., 10PM ET on NBC). To be honest, I wasn't sure if Will Arnett could pull off the role of a normal human being, but he absolutely nailed it. His chemistry with on-screen wife Christina Applegate was so authentic, I believed their love completely.

It was the little moments they shared, and some clever editing by the writers to make it feel real. After a fight over who was or wasn't awake at what time to take care of the baby, we cut quickly to the next morning where it's kisses and quick apologies. This is a couple we can root for together, because they're in this together.

But then they went and made some changes, turning Rudolph's character Ava into a talk show host -- even more scattered than she was as Reagan's (Applegate) PR boss-slash-pal originally -- and hiring Nick Cannon to play her show sidekick. That's when my declarative "is" became a hesitant "was" with 'Up All Night' (premieres Wed., Sept. 14, 10PM ET on NBC; moves to its regular time Wed., Sept. 21, 8PM ET).

And my hesitation is warranted: the rejiggered pilot that was sent out isn't quite firing on all the same funny cylinders that the original was, and it definitely drags in spots. The brief glimpse of Nick Cannon's character inspiring his "audience" to cheer and clap made me cringe. And most of all I just worried that Rudolph was being pigeon-holed into a character more worthy of a 'Saturday Night Live' skit.

BUT ... there's a silver lining. A few actually. 1) Rudolph was amazing in almost every 'SNL' skit she did; 2) pilots are never really great or necessarily indicative of what's to come; and 3) I still like the off-kilter comedic moments from all the stars, when they can squeeze them in.

The good news about 'Up All Night' (10PM ET Wednesday, NBC) and 'Free Agents' (10:30PM ET Wednesday, NBC) is that they are among the better comedy offerings for fall.

It's true that the broadcast networks' half-hour offerings for fall are not strong, but I'm not trying to damn these two shows with faint praise. Given time to work out a few kinks and settle into a rhythm, they may provide some quality guffaws going forward.

To their credit, neither show overindulges in sentimentality. It's hard to walk that fine line between sincerity and sarcasm in a comedy, and though each show is a bit broad here and there, neither of these shows overindulges in the kind of false, cynical patter or the unearned, warm-and-fuzzy mawkishness that sinks so many network sitcoms.

Zooey! Jorge and Michael! Sarah Michelle (with or without her magical crabs)! Welcome to Part 4 of our critics roundtable debate, all about the stars we're most excited to see on our TVs this year.

Here's a little backstory: during the recent Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, I gathered a group of my fellow critics and turned on the cameras while we talked all about the best and worst of fall TV, and this one has the most laughs.

I've split our chat into five insightful videos -- best new comedy, best new drama, worst new show and star we're happiest to see on TV (watch all four below), and returning show we're most excited for (posting Friday) -- so check back tomorrow for the last installment.

Nick Cannon's got talent. Before his stint hosting NBC's hit competition 'America's Got Talent,' and long before he became Mr. Mariah Carey, Cannon made his living as an actor.

Looks like he's getting back to his roots -- in a move that can only be filed under "corporate synergy," NBC has tapped their charming 'Talent' host to join the cast of their new fall sitcom, 'Up All Night.'

Starring Christina Applegate and Will Arnett as new parents struggling to find balance in their lives while raising a baby, the show might not be too far off from Cannon's real life. (His twins with wife Carey were born in April.)

The series also stars 'Saturday Night Live' alum Maya Rudolph as Ava, the host of a talk show that Applegate's character produces. TV Guide is reporting that Cannon will play Calvin, Ava's "energetic" co-host whose popularity makes her incredibly jealous.

Who loves more Maya Rudolph? NBC is betting the answer to that question is, "Everybody loves more Maya Rudolph!"

The Peacock is tweaking 'Up All Night' (series premiere Sept. 14 at 10PM; timeslot premiere Wed., Sept. 21 at 8PM) to allow for more of the 'Saturday Night Live' veteran.

In the original pilot, Rudolph's character, Ava, and Christina Applegate's character, Reagan, played public relations executives. However, according to TVLine, Rudolph's character will be a "larger-than-life talk show host" and Applegate's character will now be her producer.

"We decided to change the workplace altogether to give Maya a better platform to do her thing," NBC's Robert Greenblatt told reporters at Monday's TCA panel.

Ron Swanson is a man's man on 'Parks & Recreation.' As such, he would never stoop to replacing beef with turkey. So in a recent episode when asked if he'd tried a turkey burger, he replied that he'd eaten a "deep-fried turkey leg inside a beef burger." With Nick Offerman on 'Late Night' (Weeknights, 12:37AM ET on NBC), Jimmy Fallon had just that.

He pulled out an enormous burger on a bun the size of Maya Rudolph's pregnant belly. According to Offerman, the turkey bone was still in the burger. Regardless, in it's own way it did look delicious.

"Do you have to unhinge your jaw to put that thing in your mouth?" Rudolph asked from across the couch. She was about to find out as Fallon cut the burger into three parts: A quarter each for Offerman and Fallon and half for Rudolph and baby.

Kicking off what she dubbed 'the Mother's Day episode,' Tina Fey hosted 'Saturday Night Live' this weekend with a dose of her usual self-deprecation.

Making the most of her six-months' pregnant figure, the '30 Rock' star -- and former 'SNL' head writer -- brought out fellow expectant mom Maya Rudolph for a belly-bump greeting, and a song devoted to their soon-to-be-born children.

The soothing lullaby opened with lyrics such as "I cannot wait to know you," then quickly segued into a raunchy ode to procreation: "You are the proof that we've been doin' it....makin' super sexy heat...your mom and daddy been doin' it!" Mid-duet, the two even had a faux sonogram while each fetus -- Keenan Thompson and Kristen Wiig -- sang along in utero.

After the jump, check out a few of our favorite clips from Fey's hosting gig: her maternal, musical monologue, a sketch about a horrifying birthing class, and a parody of this week's Republican debate, which featured her famous Sarah Palin impression.

According to Deadline, Rudolph was approached with multiple pilot offers. In the Lorne Michaels-produced series, Rudolph will play the best friend and coworker of Applegate's working mom lead character.

Yesterday it was reported that Will Arnett is also attached to the sitcom.

In other TV news ...

• 'Jersey Shore' closed its season 3 with big ratings. The season finale didn't shatter any records, but it was seen by 7.6 million viewers. [TV By the Numbers]

• 'Heroes' star Adrian Pasdar has joined the cast of an NBC pilot. Pasdar will star opposite Sarah Paulson in an untitled workplace sitcom about a woman who guides employees through downsizings. [TV Guide]

• FX and Oliver Stone are developing a conspiracy drama. The series follows a secret group, the Darkhorses, which manufactures fake news stories to service clients. [Deadline]